Global holiday project gets underway in Phoenix

Sometimes the smallest gifts can make the biggest impact.

Today, volunteers in the Phoenix area are kicking off Operation Christmas Child, which is the world's largest Christmas project of its kind.

It's designed to make the holidays a little brighter for needy kids in more than 100 countries. Donors are encouraged to drop off shoe boxes filled with toys, school supplies and hygiene items from Nov. 18–25 at area collection sites.

As part of a global effort, nearly 10 million gift-filled shoe boxes are expected to be shipped overseas and then distributed by boats, planes, trains and even elephants.

Operation Christmas Child has collected more than 100 million shoe box gifts since 1993.